What is Terbinafine 1% Cream?

Terbinafine is an anti-fungal treatment which contains 1% of the active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride. It has proven effective in the treatment of a range of fungal skin infections including tinea cruris (dhobie itch/jock itch), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), Pityriasis (tinea) versicolor and skin infections caused by dermatophytes (a type of fungus).

What is the difference between terbinafine and other antifungal treatments?

Many people may be familiar with treatments such as Canesten (Clotrimazole) but what is the difference between these two treatments? Fungal infections are caused by 2 types of fungi either yeasts or dermatophytes. Yeasts are best treated with Clotrimazole whereas dermatophytes are best treated with terbinafine. Though there is some overlap between these types of treatments to ensure a clinical cure it is best to directly target the correct organism.

Terbinafine & skin infections

The active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride is best used to treat fungal infections that are not found in the skin folds like thrush - for these, we would recommend using Clotrimazole.

How does Terbinafine work and how can you tell it is working?

Terbinafine can be applied once or twice daily. If the infection is severe we would recommend using twice daily

The likely duration of each treatment is as follows:

• Athlete's foot: 1 week
• Fungal infections of the feet of trunk: 1 to 2 weeks
• Pityriasis versicolour: 2 weeks
  

How can you tell if Terbinafine is working?

Relief of symptoms is usually obtained within a few days. A complete cure can take up to 3 weeks in severe cases. Irregular use or an inadequate treatment period increases the risk of the symptoms returning. If no improvement is obtained after 2 weeks please contact your doctor for a review of the condition.